It seems like every store offers a store credit card now, but is it worth it? In today’s Service For Life!® Free consumer newsletter you’ll learn the advantages and problems of opening a store card so you can better see what makes sense for you.

You’ll also learn what to substitute when you (or a friend) can’t eat certain foods, three apps to sleep better – plus fun facts, a trivia challenge, and lots more. But first...

Lyn Trayte

Lyn Trayte, REALTOR®
Dominic and Co Int'l Real Estate

P.S. When you notice people talking about real estate in the next few weeks, can you tell them about the free consumer information I provide?

They may be people with a graduating senior and they want to buy an investment property while their child is in college. You can mention my Free Consumer Report: "8 Secrets For Saving Thousands When Finding, Buying and Financing Your Next Home" with my phone number when sending them a Graduation Card or when talking to them at a Graduation Party - 602-739-0095. Or, request a copy for a friend by simply emailing me at lyn.trayte@gmail.com.

Today's Brain Teaser . . .

Mary takes her car to the hotel, and immediately upon arriving is declared bankrupt. How has Mary gotten herself in this situation?

(see answer below)

Is Opening A Store
Credit Card Worth It?

That store card the clerk offers you at the checkout line sounds great, but is it a good choice? Store credit cards are branded with the store’s name and they often come with a large discount off your first purchase, a percentage off all purchases, 0% financing, or other incentives like free shipping at online storefronts. Here are the pros and cons to see what’s best for you...

Reasons why a store card would BENEFIT you:

If you’re saving 20% each visit at a store you visit often, and pay off purchases so you don’t carry a balance, the higher interest rate won’t affect your savings.

If you have a low credit score, stores are more likely to approve your application than regular credit card companies. It can be a good way to start rebuilding your credit.

Some store cards can be used at places outside the store. If you qualify for a card that also has a MasterCard, Discover, Visa, or American Express logo, it can be used anywhere you shop outside the store. For example, Costco and Sam’s Club credit cards offer cash back on any dining and at any gas stations.

DRAWBACKS to store cards:

Store credit card interest rates are high – regular cards are around 15%, and store cards are over 20%. If you carry a balance, you can pay much more for purchases in the long run. You may even have money to pay off the balance but forget to pay the bill for a card you don’t use often.

Store cards can negatively impact your credit score. If you plan to apply for large loans like auto or home loans in the next few months, it’s not a good idea to apply as opening the card may temporarily lower your credit score.

Some are only good for purchases at the store. If you can’t use the store card at other places like a regular credit card, you may be better off getting a card that you can use anywhere with a lower interest rate.

Don’t attempt to sell your home without my Free Consumer Guide, “6 Steps For Selling Your Home For TOP DOLLAR.” My exclusive report will give you all the facts for a fast, top dollar sale. To request your copy, email me by clicking here.

Best Substitutes If You Know
Someone With Food Sensitivities

It seems like everyone has a food allergy or sensitivity these days, especially kids. But what do you prepare instead to get the same nutritional benefits of a food you or guests at your dinner party can’t eat?

Can’t eat fish? Fish is high in protein, low in fat, and provides omega-3 fatty acids: necessary for your body, and can help with joint pain, asthma, possibly brain function, and lower your blood fats. Luckily, this important nutrient is available from: walnuts, canola oil, flax seeds, chia seeds, soy beans, and pumpkin seeds. Try to eat a variety of these foods.

Can’t have dairy? Dairy foods like cheese and yogurt are high in protein and contain lots of calcium, which is great for your bones. The good news is, stores now offer lots of options including: soy milk, coconut milk, and even cashew milk. Find one you like and you’ll get most of the same health benefits.

Staying away from gluten? Whole grains are high in fiber, contain important vitamins, and may reduce your risk for heart disease and digestive problems. Grains that are gluten-free and provide similar benefits include: rice, oats, and quinoa. With the popularity of the gluten-free diet, there are many more options for gluten-free foods that contain other grains.

Now You Can Search The Home Market, Get Helpful Community Information, AND Receive Important Resources For Saving Time And Money When Buying Or Selling At www.LynTrayte.com

Fun Facts and Laughs

Sleep Better With Your Smartphone . . .

Hate that morning alarm wake –up? There’s an app for that!

Sleep Cycle monitors your movements to determine what sleep phase you are in. Then, you are awakened during your lightest sleep phase so you can wake refreshed. Sleep Cycle is available on iTunes or Google Play for $0.99.

Sleepbot can act as a simple time log or track your every movement and record sound! Sleepbot is available on iTunes and Google Play for free.

Sleep As Android is a sleep cycle tracker and an alarm clock. It provides sleep deficit stats and lets you know when it’s time for bed. It even plays nature sounds to help you sleep. The trial version lasts for two weeks. If you want to continue to use it, you can unlock it on Google Play or Amazon App Store for $2.99.

Please Welcome New Clients And Good
Friends Into Our Real Estate Family...

I’d like to take a moment to personally introduce and welcome a few of my newest clients and good friends who have supported my business over the years. And special thanks for everyone who thought of me with your referrals!

A big thank you to Carol Schwaner who has referred several clients to me over the past couple of years. I appreciate your friendship and loyalty.

Trivia Challenge for the Month...

“Who Else Wants To Win Two Free Movie Tickets?”

Guess who won last month's Trivia Question? I'm pleased to announce the lucky winner of last month's quiz. And the winner is...drum roll please: Mary Lange was the first person to correctly answer my quiz question.

What actor played Perry Mason in the show of the same name in the ‘50s and ‘60s?

a) Stuart Erwin b) Raymond Burr
c) Henry Kendall d) George Montgomery

The answer is b) Raymond Burr. So, let's move on to this month's trivia question.

EMAIL ME BY:Clicking Here OR Call Me At 602-739-0095And You Could Be One Of My Next Winners!

Brain Teaser Answer:

Mary is playing the board game Monopoly and her game piece is the car. She landed on a hotel spot and didn’t have enough money to pay the rent, so she’s bankrupt!

Thanks For Thinking of Me!

Did you know I can help you or any of your friends or family save time and money when buying or selling a home? Thanks for keeping me in mind with your referrals...and spreading the word about my services.

Real Estate Q & A . . .

Q. How can I “stage” my home so it sells quickly for the price I want?

A. Make sure you address both the outside and the inside of the house by cleaning and de-cluttering everything, from the front yard to the garage to the kitchen, bathrooms, and basement. Put away your personal items so buyers can imagine themselves living there.

One way to take years off your home is with paint. Check the home’s exterior paint job, and don’t forget the front door, mailbox, garage doors, and walkways. In the interior, remove the pictures from the walls (as well as old wallpaper) and paint the walls in a neutral color.

Also, consider these tips if you want to sell your home fast for a good price: a) Hire professional cleaners to do the work; b) Get a home inspection before you put it on the market; and c) Make your landscaping look sharp.

For a list of the specific steps you should take, ask for my Free Consumer Report called “4 Steps To Stage Your Home For A Fast Sale.” I’ll send a copy right over to you.

Do you have a real estate question you want answered? Feel free to call me at 602-739-0095 or email me by clicking here. Perhaps I’ll feature it in my next issue!

THANK YOU... for reading my Service For Life!® personal newsletter. I wanted to produce a newsletter that has great content and is fun and valuable to you. Help your friends get more out of life by forwarding this email to them...

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Disclaimer: The information contained in this email is intended for informational purposes. It should not substitute as legal, accounting, investment, medical or other professional services advice. Always seek a competent professional for answers to your specific questions. This email is not intended to solicit real estate properties currently for sale.